From rkeller@netaxs.com Fri Apr 27 07:14:53 2001
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From: rkeller@netaxs.com (Rod Keller)
Newsgroups: alt.religion.scientology
Subject: Press-Enterprise: Henson trial
Date: 27 Apr 2001 11:14:53 GMT
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Scientology opponent guilty of interfering with religion
COURTS: The jury could not agree on two other misdemeanors faced by the
picketing gadfly.
Friday, April 27, 2001
BY ERIN D. RANDOLPH
THE PRESS-ENTERPRISE
HEMET
http://www.inlandempireonline.com/news/stories/042701/hhen27.shtml
Jurors convicted a Church of Scientology opponent Thursday of using
threats against the organization to interfere with its members' right to
practice the religion. However, the jury deadlocked on whether the threats
constituted terrorism.
The misdemeanor trial in Superior Court stemmed from charges filed by
prosecutors after Keith Henson, 58, spent the summer picketing the
church's Golden Era Productions facility in Gilman Hot Springs and posting
his observations on a computer bulletin board.
He had been charged with three misdemeanors: making terrorist threats,
attempting to make terrorist threats and making threats to interfere with
freedom to enjoy a constitutional privilege. The jury convicted Henson of
using threats to interfere with a constitutional privilege but could not
agree on the other two charges.
After the verdict, Henson said he was happy that he was not convicted of
terrorism but said he believes his First Amendment rights may be taken
away if he is prohibited from posting his opinions.
"My biggest concern is the fact that Scientologists can prevent people
from speaking out about (them)," he said.
The Palo Alto man started picketing Golden Era after the deaths of Ashlee
Shaner and Stacy Meyer. Ashlee, 16, died in May when the vehicle she was
driving collided with a tractor doing work for Golden Era. Meyer, 20, died
in June at the facility after slipping in a electrical vault. Henson did
not know nor was he related to either victim.
Henson said he believes the deaths are suspicious and wants the church
held responsible. He said he was picketing the church's "callous disregard
for human life." Investigators have filed no charges in either death.
Henson said he wanted to address this belief in his defense, but he said
the judge ruled against it.
The church has a court order barring Henson from picketing at their
compound. So, after his conviction Thursday, Henson picketed Scientology
outside the courthouse on State Street.
Meanwhile, Golden Era spokeswoman Muriel Dufresne called the verdict
"great news."
"Justice has been served. Religious bigotry will not be tolerated in
Riverside County," Dufresne said.
Deputy District Attorney Robert Schwarz, who prosecuted the case, said it
was unclear whether the DA would re-file the other charges. Henson's
sentencing is scheduled for May 16. He faces a maximum of one year in
jail.
Erin D. Randolph can be reached by e-mail at erandolph@pe.com or by phone
at (909) 487-5229.
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